Typically, when people are drafting their parenting plan, Halloween, is often forgotten about, which means co-parents need to agree on how to proceed. Navigating Halloween can be tricky during a normal year, but it is even trickier this year because of COVID-19. Trick or treating increases the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. Schwam-Wilcox have prepared a short list of tips and tricks for creating a Spooktacular Halloween!
Consider fun alternatives to Trick or Treating
– Carve or paint pumpkins at home
– Decorate your home
– Do a Halloween scavenger hunt where your children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
– Have a virtual Halloween costume contest
– Have a virtual Halloween movie night over Netflix
– Have a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house
Make hygiene your number one priority
– If your children are old enough to wear a mask then make it a part of their costume!
– A Halloween costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask which helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
– Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after visiting each house
– Travel only with your household members, be sure to maintain six (6) feet of social distance from others, and avoid direct contact with people who do not live in your home
Trick or Treat Together or Split the day
– If you are on amicable terms and can enjoy the evening together, then considering trick or treating together. If you are not on amicable terms and will likely argue in front of your children, then consider splitting up the holiday.
– This year we are lucky, and Halloween is on a Saturday, which means one parent could enjoy the pumpkin carving and a Halloween themed breakfast in the morning, while the other parent enjoys Halloween dinner and trick or treating (unless it is addressed differently in your parenting plan and you want to follow that, but remember you can always agree to deviate from the parenting plan).
– Find what works best for your family and remember who Halloween is about!
Plan your holiday festivities well in advances
– By planning for Halloween in advance everyone gets to enjoy the day. Things to discuss before the spooky day arrives, your child’s costume, how late you both think your children should trick or treat, how they are collecting candy, or if they are allowed to eat candy while trick or treating.
Be safe, have fun and maybe start new traditions.
